The land of dunes of golden sand, the land of melody and color, the land of warriors and kings, Rajasthan the unimaginable surprise package of India. The rugged region, the dry region of the Rajputs, Rajasthan is among the few tropical densely populated deserts of the world. The charm that Rajasthan carries, lingers beyond the Pink city of Jaipur, Lake city of Udaipur, the magnificent forts like that of Jaisalmer, the cattle fair of Pushkar or the intricately carved Havelis that dot the state all over. Travel to Rajasthan offers you this and much more. A desolate desert beauty with fascinating past, the past laced with glorious moments of chivalry and mystic romance. The wonderful mirror works and the exotic gems and their designs that are found in Rajasthan are rarely found anywhere else. Adding to the splendor are the exotic gems and jewellery, the vibrantly colored dress materials, melodious songs and the rhythmic dances. The natural opulence of Rajasthan dotted with colorful extravaganza surpasses any state of India in attracting hordes of people here.

A lake city and the capital of the Ranas of Mewar, founded in the 16th century. Udiapur is known for its fairytale places that nestle along the banks of a lake, or completely cover islands in its midst. The Sisodia rulers of Chittaurgarh who ruled here obviously had more leisure to exercise their time was spent at war. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls.

A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desert’s cape that’s Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravalis range, the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The road leading to Mt. Abu is a curved one characterized by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds. The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than a just summer retreat.

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. A major trade center of the 16th century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. While the graceful palaces, forts, and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folkdances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.

Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendor, dominating the amber –hued city. The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna – the head of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences. But the desert, fortress, that seems to be straight out of the ‘Tales of the Arabian Nights’, still enchants. The setting sun turning Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.

The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city’s lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.

The semi desert region of Shekhawati is a colorful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own. ‘The open-air art gallery’, as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. ‘Shekhawati’, meaning “the land of Shekha’s clan” derives its name from Rao Shekha (1433 A.D.-1488A.D.) a scion of the Kachhwaha family of Jaipur. Earlier a part of the former Jaipur state, it now comprises of the districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar. Sikar Founded in the late 17th century, Sikar was the largest ‘thikana’ (Feudal state) under Jaipur. The fort and temples of Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan with commendable frescoes are worth visiting.

The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink – the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that makes your trip to the pink city a memorable one.

Pushkar the holy place is famous the world renowned camel fair & the Holy lake. The lake was formed when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus here. Pushkar is the mixture of Indian & much other foreign culture. Pushkar is an important pilgrim for Hindu people. It has world's only temple of Lord Bramha (God of Creation). Best time to visit Pushkar is during the Pushkar fair, this time the town becomes a cultural hub, people from all over India & all across the globe gathers here to enjoy the most grand Camel fair.

Ajmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauan in the 7th A.D. and continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city’s history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism and Islam.

The 55 km long journey by road from Agra drives you to the town of Bharatpur- the eastern gateway to Rajasthan. Bharatpur is popular for its bird sanctuary – the Keoladeo Ghana national Park – finest in Asia with a rich avian variety. Every year the rare Siberian cranes come to spend the winter in the warmer climate of Bharatpur. Of the remnants of the royal past remains the marvelous Bharatpur Palace housing a rich repository of a large number of ancient exhibits that date back to the early 15th century.

The 392 sq. km. park comprises of dry deciduous forests sprawling over an undulating terrain of the Aravalis and Vindhyan ranges. The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country under the Project Tiger. The majestic predators, assured of protection, roam freely during the day time and can be seen at close quarters. Ranthambhor sanctuary has a large number of sambhar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, langur, wild boar and peafowl. A system of three pretty artificial lakes- Padam Talab, Rajbagh and Milak Talab, along with a number of amicus are part of the biosphere. Besides enhancing the scenic beauty of the park, they are an important source of water for the inhabitants of the park. While deer congregate here to drink water, fresh water crocodiles can be seen basking in the winter sun to regulate their body temperature. The lake also attracts a large num ber of migratory and local birds. The local fauna of the Park includes leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear and a little population of pythons. The lovely Jogi Mahal overlooking the pretty Padma Talab at the foot of the fort has a Forest Rest House. Other accommodation outside the fort also ensures a comfortable stay.

Kota

Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota – an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age modern industrialization, while its untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples dating back over several centuries retain the past glory, the present day edifices and heavy industries have made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan.

Bundi

Bundi, One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Hada Chauhans – an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravallis hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

Kumbhalgarh Fort

The second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravallis.Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 12 km and encloses many temples, palaces and gardens. The fort was renovated in the 19 Th centuries. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectactacular bird’s-eye view of the surrounding countryside. Close by is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife. The Fort is accessible only by jeep from Kelwara through the seven gates.

Chittaurgarh

The pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chhatris.This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was ‘Jauhar”- when women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death. Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.